Artworks
Narrative
Itzedin fortress is a derelict prison and Ottoman military instillation overlooking Souda bay. Throughout its history it has been used for the imprisonment for political prisoners, especially during the dictatorship of Theodoros Pangalos. The last death penalty in Greece took place in 1973 on the prison grounds. This project uses unpermitted images of the fortress to explore themes of surveillance power and state control. The fortress awakens its gaze within us. Holding a strategic point in our inner world. It contains an internal mechanism for social control. Its presence appears to us as a spectre of state and military violence. Itzedin Fortress is a place where small slits of light disappear into pill box windows. A building designed to gaze into you and make you monitor yourself as you move through it.
3 plywood display cases, with 1 way mirror glass, cyanotype prints and internal lighting
Biography
Cúan Cusack also known as Culchie Spice is a community-engaged artist and designer. They create through the mediums of drawing, community organising, printmaking, writing, and sound. They focus on themes of solidarity and metamorphosis. Inspired by DIY culture, history and our relationship with nature. Cúan’s praxis is a vehicle for collective action. They are currently a master's student in NCAD studying Art and Social Action. They are a key member of Alien Nation, a queer art events collective. A board member of The Walls Project, Ireland's largest street art festival and a member of the facilitator panel for Kids Own and Garter Lane. Their work has been exhibited nationally and internationally at IP12 Chania—Breaking the Patterns Exhibition, Waterford Gallery of Art—Bodies exhibition, Smock Alley Theatre—Pride in Print, Gallery of Modern Art Waterford—Poster project exhibition and Aegis performance. Cúan has been an artist in residence at Butler Gallery, Kilkenny and Garter Lane Arts Centre.